"Kelley" was born in Alexandria, Indiana to Thomas and Jeanette Street Kelley. Some of her favorite memories in her younger years included going to her grandparent's restaurant on school lunch breaks where she especially loved her mother's chicken and noodles casserole, helping there as she got older, and helping her father with his electrical work. When she was in high school and her brother was away, Kelley got to use his car and had many happy memories from that. She also learned to ride a motorcycle and was going to take flying lessons until her mother asked her not to. She especially loved playing sports. After High School Kelley attended College but suspended her formal education to play professional women's baseball and basketball. She traveled extensively and played on one of the teams portrayed in the movie A League of Their Own. During that time, she became engaged to the true love of her life, Tommy. Tommy enlisted in the military and was killed in action. This caused Kelley and his sister to both enlist in the Army. After basic training, women who could drive and had a license were assigned to the motor pool. Kelley became the driver for President Dwight D Eisenhower and on special occasions drove French President Charles de Gaulle and General Patton. She was then told she would be assigned to Portland. Kelley was very happy about that until she learned it was Portland, Maine not Oregon! After several tours of duty in Portland, one each in Bangor, New York City, and Boston, Kelley was stationed in Alaska where she was a championship bowler. Kelley was the top women’s recruiter in the US for many years and received many awards for this distinction including WAC of the year. Her medals included the Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, 4 Oak Leaf Clusters, Good Conduct Medals, and National Defense Service Medal. She was honored for active duty in both the Korean and Vietnam Wars. When President Eisenhower, died, Kelley was chosen as a member of the honor guard and had an Eisenhower cut Army jacket made specially for her because women did not wear that style of jacket normally.
Upon retirement from the Army, Kelley returned to Maine, the state she had come to love, and made her home in Westbrook. For a short period she worked as a vet tech, but then decided to just enjoy her life. She and her best friend Liz traveled extensively visiting all except two of the national parks. They also made several trips to Alaska camping along the way. Kelley always enjoyed the outdoors and an active lifestyle. She played tennis, softball, basketball, and bowled for many years. She officiated for girl’s basketball and softball. She was on a bowling league into her 90s. Kelley was also an avid gardener and birdwatcher. She gave many lectures on both of these topics and was a long time member and supporter of the Audubon Society. She was a member and officer of the Pride's Corner Garden Club.
Kelley always maintained her love for her country. She was active in the American Legion and recently served as chaplain of Stephen W. Manchester American Legion Post. She was honored to be a Grand Marshal of this year's Westbrook Memorial Day Parade. She was previously honored at a Memorial Day service in Gorham and at a Wreaths Across America celebration.
Kelley loved going out for breakfast or for coffee and donuts. She was an animal rights advocate, supporter of many animal organizations, and always was interested in helping any animals. She had many Boston Terriers and Pugs. She had her faithful four-legged companion Ricky who she adopted from Louisiana. They became best friends and were inseparable. He greatly misses his mommy. Kelley was also involved in church activities and was proud to be a member of Windham Hill United Church of Christ.
Kelley had many friends throughout her life of service and wonderful neighbors. Kelley is survived by her fur son Ricky. She will also be greatly missed by her special friends Judene Dyer, Dona Schlientz, Gary Barton, and neighbor Bonnie Collett.
There will be a graveside service and military honors on December 5, 2022 at 11:00am at Woodlawn Cemetery, 300 Stroudwater St, Westbrook ME. All friends and veterans are invited to attend.
Memorial contributions may be sent to Windham Hill UCC 140 Windham Center Rd. Windham, ME 04062
You may share your condolences or memories at www.jonesrichandbarnes.com
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